Are you a planner? Do you have lunches booked three weeks from now, a trip marked on the calendar for October, and a pretty good idea of what you’ll be doing next month? Or are you more of a go-with-the-flow person, focused on what’s happening right here, right now?
Most of us fall somewhere in between. We make plans because it’s fun to have something to look forward to. In fact, I think anticipating an event is part of the event itself. The challenge comes when we’re so focused on what’s next that we forget to enjoy what’s happening now.
As we settle into August, I’d like to invite you to think about a familiar expression: “stop and smell the roses.” As cliché as it may sound, there’s a reason that saying has stood the test of time. While we’re busy planning fall activities, holiday gatherings, and future adventures, summer is still happening.
“We’re always roaming around in the past or the future. The present is a hard place to live.”
– author Jeanette Winterson
The truth is, many of us spend so much time looking ahead that we miss the season we’re currently living in. Don’t get me wrong, I see nothing wrong with making plans. Having something to look forward to is one of life’s great pleasures. But there’s a difference between planning for tomorrow and living as though today is simply a waiting room for whatever comes next.
The older I get, the more I appreciate that happiness is rarely found in some future destination; more often, it’s hiding in plain sight. It’s in the unexpected conversation with a friend, it’s that delicious cup of your favourite morning beverage on the porch or patio. Daily joy snacks for me can be uncovered on a walk through the neighbourhood, in laughter around the dinner table, when someone tells a “dad joke.” Joy can be found in an evening spent watching the sky change colours. It’s simply being fully present for a moment that won’t come around again.
Perhaps that’s what “stop and smell the roses” really means, not that we literally need to find a rose garden although there’s plenty of joy to find there too. Rather I believe it means paying attention, noticing the life that’s unfolding right in front of us. As August unfolds, consider this your invitation to make the most of what’s left of summer.
“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.”
– Mother Teresa
Now, if you’re someone who counts the days until sweater weather arrives, loves a fresh snowfall, or can’t wait to dust off your skates, don’t worry, I’m not trying to convince you that summer is the superior season. The point isn’t whether you prefer sunshine or snowflakes, the point is to appreciate the season you’re in before rushing ahead to the next one.
After all, every season has something to offer. The trick is not missing it while we’re busy looking ahead. Here’s a little friendly advice to help you stop and smell the roses:
– Next time you take a road trip or drive to an appointment, take the scenic route.
– For no reason at all, book a coffee date with a friend.
– Visit a farmers’ market and thank the amazing people who produce beautiful food.
– Book a solo date or meet a friend to watch a sunset.
– Spend time with family.
– Bring your book outside.
– Try something new: a new dance move, yoga move, or a new conversation move.
– Find a community event on the local calendar, book a friend and go, just for fun.
– Or simply sit on your balcony, deck, or porch and take in the sights and sounds of the season.
It won’t be long until we’ll be talking about fall, then winter. The seasons have a way of moving forward whether we’re paying attention or not. So, let’s enjoy this one while there’s still plenty of sunshine, and possibility to be found.